Surgical instruments incorporating ultrasonic and electrosurgical functionality

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes an ultrasonic blade body and first and second electrodes disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and extending longitudinally along a majority of a length of the ultrasonic blade body. The ultrasonic blade body is adapted to receive ultrasonic energy from an ultrasonic waveguide. The first and second electrodes taper in width proximally to distally and are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/238,668, filed on Jan. 3, 2019, which claims thebenefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.62/618,277, 62/618,241, 62/218,292, and 62/618,402, all filed on Jan.17, 2018. The entire contents of each of the above applications arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to energy-based surgical instruments and,more particularly, to surgical instruments having end effectorassemblies incorporating ultrasonic and electrosurgical functionality tofacilitate treating, e.g., sealing and/or dissecting tissue.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Ultrasonic surgical devices are used in many surgical procedures. Anultrasonic surgical device may include, for example, an ultrasonic bladeand a clamp mechanism to enable clamping tissue against the blade.Ultrasonic energy transmitted to the blade causes the blade to vibrateat very high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), which allowsfor heating tissue to treat tissue clamped against or otherwise incontact with the blade.

Electrosurgical devices are also used in many surgical procedures. Anelectrosurgical device may include, for example, opposing jaw membersoperable to clamp tissue therebetween and conduct energy, e.g., RFenergy, through clamped tissue to treat tissue.

Devices that combine ultrasonic and electrosurgical energy into a singlemulti-functional device are known, but may not leverage the strengths ofboth technologies effectively. In particular, existing devices may haveend effectors that are not optimized for the combined use of ultrasonicand electrosurgical energy.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is beingdescribed that is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refersto the portion that is being described that is closer to a user.Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects described hereinmay be used in conjunction with any of the other aspects describedherein.

Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is asurgical instrument including an end effector assembly having first andsecond jaw members. The second jaw member includes an ultrasonic bladebody and first and second electrodes disposed on either side of theultrasonic blade body and extending longitudinally along a majority of alength of the ultrasonic blade body. The ultrasonic blade body isadapted to receive ultrasonic energy from an ultrasonic waveguide. Thefirst and second electrodes taper in width proximally to distally andare adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The firstjaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between aspaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissuetherebetween.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second electrodesare electrically-isolated from one another and energizable to differentpotentials for conducting electrosurgical energy therebetween.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and secondelectrodes are electrically-coupled to one another and configured toconduct energy from the first and second electrodes to the first jawmember.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first jaw memberincludes a jaw liner disposed thereon and positioned to oppose theultrasonic blade body of the second jaw member.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the first jaw memberincludes first and second electrodes positioned to oppose the first andsecond electrodes, respectively, of the second jaw member. The first andsecond electrodes of the first jaw member may be electrically-isolatedfrom one another and energizable to different potentials for conductingelectrosurgical energy therebetween, and/or the first and secondelectrodes of the first jaw member and the first and second electrodesof the second jaw member may be energizable to different potentials forconducting electrosurgical energy therebetween.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the surgicalinstrument further includes a housing, a shaft extending distally fromthe housing, and an ultrasonic waveguide extending through the shaft.The end effector assembly is supported at a distal end portion of theshaft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a trigger is operablyassociated with the housing and coupled to the first jaw member. Thetrigger is selectively actuatable to move the first jaw member relativeto the second jaw member between the spaced-apart position and theapproximated position.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, an activation buttonis disposed on the housing. The activation button is selectivelyactivatable to supply electrosurgical energy and/or ultrasonic energy tothe end effector assembly.

Another surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure includes an end effector assembly having first andsecond jaw members. The first jaw member includes a jaw body and firstand second electrodes. The jaw body defines an electrically-insulativeinwardly-facing tissue-contacting surface and an outwardly facingsurface. The first and second electrodes are disposed on the outwardlyfacing surface of the jaw body and adapted to connect to a source ofelectrosurgical energy. The second jaw member includes an ultrasonicblade body adapted to connect to an ultrasonic waveguide and adapted toconnect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first jaw member ismovable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apartposition and an approximated position for grasping tissue between thetissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and the ultrasonicblade body of the second jaw member.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the jaw body of the first jawmember is formed from an insulative material. Additionally oralternatively, the jaw body of the first jaw member is formed from acompliant material.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tissue-contactingsurface of the jaw body of the first jaw member is shaped complementaryto an opposite surface of the ultrasonic blade body of the second jawmember. The tissue-contacting surface of the jaw body of the first jawmember may define an arcuate configuration.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the surgicalinstrument further includes a housing, a shaft extending distally fromthe housing, and an ultrasonic waveguide extending through the shaft.The end effector assembly is supported at a distal end portion of theshaft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a trigger is operablyassociated with the housing and coupled to the first jaw member. Thetrigger is selectively actuatable to move the first jaw member relativeto the second jaw member between the spaced-apart position and theapproximated position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an activation button isdisposed on the housing. The activation button is selectivelyactivatable to supply electrosurgical energy and/or ultrasonic energy tothe end effector assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art when descriptions thereof are readwith reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a surgical instrument exemplifying the aspectsand features of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of an end effector assemblyconfigured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of yet another endeffector assembly configured for use with the surgical instrument ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a top view of a second jaw member of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a transverse, cross-sectional view of another end effectorassembly configured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1, in aseal mode;

FIG. 4B is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 4A, in a dissection mode;

FIG. 5 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of yet another end effectorassembly configured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of still another endeffector assembly configured for use with the surgical instrument ofFIG. 1, shown clamping on tissue; and

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a three-phase configuration forenergizing three electrodes in accordance with the end effectorassemblies of FIGS. 1, 5, and/or 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIG. 1, a combined electrosurgical, e.g., RF, andultrasonic surgical instrument exemplifying the aspects and features ofthe present disclosure is shown and generally identified by referencenumeral 10. For the purposes herein, surgical instrument 10 is generallydescribed. Aspects and features of surgical instrument 10 not germane tothe understanding of the present disclosure are omitted to avoidobscuring the aspects and features of the present disclosure inunnecessary detail.

Surgical instrument 10 generally includes a housing 20, a handle 30, atrigger 40, an elongated shaft 50, an end effector assembly 60, arotating assembly 70, an ultrasonic transducer 90, a cable 100 coupledto a surgical generator 110, and an activation switch 120. Activationswitch 120 selectively activates a supply of electrosurgical energy fromgenerator 110 to end effector 60 for treating tissue in anelectrosurgical energy mode and selectively activates a supply ofultrasonic energy from ultrasonic transducer 90 (powered by generator110) to end effector assembly 60 for treating tissue in an ultrasonicenergy mode. To accomplish this, a switch box 122 disposed withinhousing 20 and coupled to activation switch 120 and/or generator 110 maybe provided to determine the mode of surgical instrument 10 and enablethe supply of the appropriate energy depending upon the mode.Alternatively, separate switches may be provided for each mode. Further,as an alternative to a separate generator 110, a generator and batterymay be incorporated on or within housing 20 such that surgicalinstrument 10 operates as a cordless device.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, elongated shaft 50 of surgicalinstrument 10 extends distally from housing 20 and supports end effectorassembly 60 at a distal end portion of elongated shaft 50. End effectorassembly 60 is disposed at the distal end portion of elongated shaft 50and includes first and second jaw members 61, 62, respectively, thatcooperate to clamp and treat tissue, as described in further detailbelow. Rotating assembly 70 enables the selective rotation of elongatedshaft 50 and, thus, end effector assembly 60 relative to housing 20.

Handle 30 is integrally associated with housing 20 for clamping and/orhandling surgical instrument 10. Trigger 40 is movable relative tohandle 30 from an initial position to an actuated position. Trigger 40is operably coupled to a drive assembly (not shown) that mechanicallyimparts movement to end effector assembly 60. More specifically,actuation of trigger 40 causes first jaw member 61 to pivot relative tosecond jaw member 62 from a spaced-apart position to an approximatedposition to clamp tissue therebetween.

End effector assembly 60, as noted above, includes first and second jawmembers 61, 62. Generally, in an ultrasonic mode, when activation switch120 is activated, second jaw member 62 serves as an ultrasonic bladethat is acoustically coupled to ultrasonic transducer 90 via a waveguide92 to enable transmission of ultrasonic energy from ultrasonictransducer 90, along waveguide 92, to second jaw member 62 for treatingtissue. In an electrosurgical mode, when activation switch 120 isactivated, electrodes on one or both of the jaw members 61, 62 areenergized to enable the conduction of electrosurgical energy throughtissue clamped between jaw members 61, 62 to treat tissue. Variousembodiments of end effector configurations suitable for use withsurgical instrument 10 for the above purposes are described in detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 2-5. To the extent consistent, any of theaspects and features of the embodiments detailed below may beincorporated into any of the other embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in conjunction with FIG. 1, another endeffector assembly 400 of the present disclosure is shown. End effectorassembly 400 generally includes a first jaw member 410 and a second jawmember 420. First jaw member 410 includes a jaw body 412 having a jawliner 414 and first and second electrodes 416, 418, disposed thereon.Jaw liner 414 may be formed from an insulative, compliant material,e.g., polytetraflouroethylene (P T F E), and is positioned to oppose jawmember 420, which is an ultrasonic blade body 422. First and secondelectrodes 416, 418 are positioned transversely on first jaw member 410with jaw liner 414 disposed therebetween and are electrically isolatedto enable conduction of electrosurgical energy therebetween,transversely between jaw members 410, 420. First and second electrodes416, 418 may each be electrically coupled to generator 110 andactivation switch 120, e.g., via one or more lead wires (not shown)extending through cable 100, housing 20, and elongated shaft 50.

In use, electrosurgical energy delivery and ultrasonic energy deliveryare activated simultaneously, in staggered but overlapping temporalrelation, or consecutively. More specifically, first and secondelectrodes 416, 418 are energized to different potentials to conductelectrosurgical energy transversely therebetween and through tissueclamped between jaw members 410, 420, while ultrasonic energy istransmitted to ultrasonic blade body 422, which remains electricallyneutral so as not to interfere with the conduction of energy betweenelectrodes 416, 418, via waveguide 92 for transmission to tissue clampedbetween ultrasonic blade body 422 and jaw liner 414.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, in conjunction with FIG. 1, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure, an end effectorassembly is shown identified by reference numeral 500. End effectorassembly 500 generally includes first and second jaw members 510, 520.First jaw member 510 may be configured similarly as first jaw member 410of end effector assembly 400 (FIG. 2), including a jaw body (not shown)having a jaw liner (not shown) and first and secondelectrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces (not shown) disposedon either side of the jaw liner, although other configurations are alsocontemplated, e.g., jaw member may define an insulated tissue-contactingsurface. The electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces may beelectrically coupled to one another or electrically isolated from oneanother, and may be energizable to the same or different potentials.

Second jaw member 520 includes an ultrasonic blade body 522 acousticallycoupled to waveguide 92 and positioned to oppose the jaw liner of thefirst jaw member 510, and a pair of electrodes 524, 526 electricallycoupled to generator 110 and activation switch 120, e.g., via one ormore lead wires (not shown) extending through cable 100, housing 20, andelongated shaft 50. Electrodes 524, 526 extend along the majority ofultrasonic blade body 522 on opposing sides thereof and taper inthickness in the proximal to distal direction. Electrodes 524, 526 maybe electrically isolated from one another to enable electrodes 524, 526to be energized to different potentials and conduct energy therebetween,or may be electrically coupled to be energizable to the same potentialfor conducting energy to jaw member 510. The proximal portions ofelectrodes 524, 526, having relatively larger widths, conduct greateramounts of electrosurgical energy therebetween as compared to the distalportions of electrodes 524, 526, which have relatively smaller widths.

In use, electrosurgical energy delivery and ultrasonic energy deliveryare activated simultaneously, in staggered but overlapping temporalrelation, or consecutively. The ultrasonic energy is delivered fromultrasonic blade body 522 to tissue positioned between ultrasonic bladebody 522 and the jaw liner of jaw member 510. The electrosurgical energymay be conducted transversely, wherein electrode 524 and theelectrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface of jaw member 510 onthe same side are energized to a first potential and electrode 526 andthe electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface of jaw member 510on the same side are energized to a second, different potential, or maybe conducted between jaw members 510, 520, wherein electrodes 524, 526are energized to a first potential and the electrically-conductivetissue-contacting surfaces of jaw member 510 are energized to a second,different potential. In either configuration, due to the taperedconfiguration of electrodes 524, 526, upon activation, relatively moreelectrosurgical tissue treatment is effected in a proximal,electrosurgical treatment region “E” of jaw member 520, relatively moreultrasonic tissue treatment is effected in a distal, ultrasonictreatment region “U,” and a blended treatment region “B” is disposedtherebetween. As such, a clinician may position tissue within theelectrosurgical treatment region “E,” the ultrasonic treatment region“U,” and/or the blended treatment region “B” to realize a desiredresult. The electrosurgical treatment region “E” may provide more robustsealing of tissue and greater seal widths which also improves sealquality, while the ultrasonic treatment region “U” may provide fasterdissection of tissue. The blended treatment region “B” may providemoderate sealing and dissecting capabilities.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in conjunction with FIG. 1, an endeffector assembly 700 in accordance with the present disclosure isshown. End effector assembly 700 generally includes a first jaw member710 and a second jaw member 720. First jaw member 710 includes a jawbody 712 defining an arcuate configuration having first and secondelectrodes 714 a, 714 b arranged in a pair towards a first side of jawbody 712 and third and fourth electrodes 716 a, 716 b arranged in a pairtowards a second, opposite side of jaw body 712. Electrodes 714 a, 714b, 716 a, 716 b are electrically isolated from one another and each iselectrically coupled to generator 110 and activation switch 120, e.g.,via one or more lead wires (not shown) extending through cable 100,housing 20, and elongated shaft 50. Electrodes 714 a, 714 b, 716 a, 716b are selectively energizable to various different potentials to achievea desired configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, in a “tissuesealing mode,” electrodes 714 a, 716 a may be energized to a firstpotential and electrodes 714 b, 716 b to a second, different potentialsuch that two tissue seals may be formed on clamped tissue, one towardseach side of jaw body 712. The middle, substantially unsealed portion ofthe clamped tissue is configured to receive ultrasonic energy(simultaneously, overlapping, or consecutively with the supply ofelectrosurgical energy) from jaw member 720, serving as an ultrasonicblade body 722, to dissect the tissue between the two seals.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 4B, in a “tissue dissecting mode,”electrodes 714 a, 714 b may be energized to a first potential andelectrodes 716 a, 716 b to a second, different potential such thatcurrently flows transversely across jaw member 710 to facilitatedissection of tissue while ultrasonic energy (simultaneously,overlapping, or consecutively with the supply of electrosurgical energy)from jaw member 720 likewise effects dissection of tissue clampedbetween jaw members 710, 720. Other configurations are alsocontemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in conjunction with FIG. 1, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure, an end effector assembly800 is shown. End effector assembly 800 generally includes first andsecond jaw members 810, 820. First jaw member 810 includes a jaw linerbody 812 formed from or coated with an electrically-insulative material,which may be compliant, e.g., PTFE, and first and second electrodes 814,816 disposed on jaw liner body 812. Jaw member 810, more specifically,defines a wedge-shaped configuration with an inwardly-facingtissue-contacting arcuate surface 813 b, formed by jaw liner body 812,and an outwardly-facing arcuate surface 813 a having a greater radius ofcurvature as compared to surface 813 b. Electrodes 814, 816 define theend portions of outwardly-facing arcuate surface 813 b, while jaw linerbody 812 forms the middle portion of surface 813 a. Jaw liner body 812electrically isolates electrodes 814, 816 from one another, each ofwhich are electrically coupled to generator 110 and activation switch120, e.g., via one or more lead wires (not shown) extending throughcable 100, housing 20, and elongated shaft 50.

Jaw member 820 serves as an ultrasonic blade body 822 and is alsoelectrically coupled to generator 110 and activation switch 120, e.g.,via one or more lead wires (not shown) extending through cable 100,housing 20, and elongated shaft 50. Ultrasonic blade body 822 may definean arcuate tissue-contacting surface 824 that is complementary toinwardly-facing tissue-contacting arcuate surface 813 b of jaw member810 to facilitate clamping tissue therebetween while maximizing surfacearea.

In operation, end effector assembly 800 may be activated in a firstconfiguration, wherein ultrasonic energy is transmitted along waveguide92 to jaw member 820 while electrodes 814, 816 are not energized, toenable treating tissue clamped between ultrasonic blade body 822 of jawmember 820 and jaw liner body 812 of jaw member 810. In a secondconfiguration, end effector assembly 800 may be activated such thatelectrodes 814, 816 are energized to a first potential and jaw member820 is energized to a second, different potential, such thatelectrosurgical energy is conducted through tissue clamped between jawmembers 810, 820 to treat tissue. In a third configuration, electrodes814, 816 are energized to different potentials and jaw member 820remains electrically neutral such that electrosurgical energy isconducted transversely through tissue clamped between jaw members 810,820 between electrodes 814, 816.

With reference to FIG. 6, in conjunction with FIG. 1, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure, an end effector assembly900 is shown. End effector assembly 900 generally includes a first jawmember 910 and a second jaw member 920. First jaw member 910 isbifurcated into jaw components 912, 914 that are spaced-apart andelectrically isolated from one another. Jaw components 912, 914 areelectrically coupled to generator 110 and activation switch 120, e.g.,via one or more lead wires (not shown) extending through cable 100,housing 20, and elongated shaft 50, and may be energized to similar ordifferent potentials.

Jaw member 920 is an ultrasonic blade body 922 that is acousticallycoupled to waveguide 92 to enable transmission of ultrasonic energy fromultrasonic transducer 90, along waveguide 92, to ultrasonic blade body922. Ultrasonic blade body 922 is also electrically coupled to generator110 and activation switch 120, e.g., via one or more lead wires (notshown) extending through cable 100, housing 20, and elongated shaft 50,to enable ultrasonic blade body 922 to be energized with electrosurgicalenergy.

Ultrasonic blade body 922 defines a generally circular configuration.Jaw components 912, 914 define radiused tissue-contacting surfaces 913,915, respectively, that generally conform to the curvature of ultrasonicblade body 922 of second jaw member 920, e.g., the radii of curvature oftissue-contacting surfaces 913, 915 generally approximate the radius ofultrasonic blade body 922 (wherein “generally” takes into accountmanufacturing, material, and other tolerances). However, otherconfigurations are also contemplated.

In operation, trigger 40 is actuated to move jaw members 910, 920 to theapproximated position to clamp tissue therebetween. With jaw members910, 920 in the approximated position clamping tissue therebetween, jawcomponent 912, jaw component 914, and ultrasonic blade body 922 maydefine any suitable electrical configuration to achieve a desired tissueeffect. For example, end effector assembly 900 may be activated: in afirst configuration, wherein ultrasonic energy is transmitted alongwaveguide 92 to ultrasonic blade body 922 while jaw components 912, 914are not energized; in a second configuration, wherein jaw components912, 914 are energized to a first potential and ultrasonic blade body922 is energized to a second, different potential; in a thirdconfiguration, wherein jaw components 912, 914 are energized todifferent potentials and ultrasonic blade body 922 remains electricallyneutral; in a fourth configuration, wherein jaw components 912, 914 areenergized to different potentials and ultrasonic blade body 922 isenergized with ultrasonic energy but is otherwise electrically neutral;in a fifth configuration, wherein jaw components 912, 914 are energizedto the same potential and ultrasonic blade body 922 is energized withultrasonic energy and to a different electrical potential; etc.

Referring to FIG. 7, in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, end effectorassemblies 800, 900 (or any other suitable end effector assembly with atleast three independently-energizable electrodes) are advantageous inthat they allow for various different electrical configurations. In someelectrical configuration, the three electrodes “A,” “B,” and “C”(corresponding to the three independently-energizable electrodes of asuitable end effector assembly) may be energized to a three-phaseconfiguration, wherein each of the electrodes “A,” “B,” and “C” isenergized with waves that are 120 degrees out of phase relative to eachother such as, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Although squarewaves are illustrated in FIG. 7, it is also contemplated that sine wavesor other suitable waves that are 120 degrees out of phase relative toeach other may also be provided.

A three-phase configuration such as that detailed above enables energyexcitation between all three electrodes “A,” “B,” and “C.” Further, theamount of energy supplied may be controlled such as, for example, byusing square waves of less than 50% duty cycle. Additionally oralternatively, the amplitudes of any or all of the three phases may becontrolled to produce more or less energy excitation in certaindirections, e.g., between different combinations of electrodes “A,” “B,”and “C.”

Regardless of the three-phase configuration utilized, ultrasonic energymay be supplied simultaneously, before/after, overlapping, alternating,during only portions of three-phase energy application, or in any othersuitable manner, or may not be supplied during three-phase energyapplication. Likewise, the three-phase energy may be suppliedsimultaneously, before/after, overlapping, alternating, during onlyportions of ultrasonic energy application, or in any other suitablemanner, or may not be supplied during ultrasonic energy application.

Although embodiments have been described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings for the purpose of illustration and description,it is to be understood that the inventive processes and apparatus arenot to be construed as limited thereby. It will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art that various modifications to the foregoingembodiments may be made without departing from the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An end effector assembly of a surgicalinstrument, comprising: first and second jaw members, the first jawmember movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apartposition and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween;and first, second, and third electrodes, at least one of which isassociated with the first jaw member and at least another of which isassociated with the second jaw member, wherein the first, second, andthird electrodes are configured to be energized with Radio-Frequency(RF) energy in a three-phase configuration for treating tissue graspedbetween the first and second jaw members.
 2. The end effector assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third electrodesare configured to be energized with RF energy waves that are 120 degreesout of phase with respect to one another.
 3. The end effector assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third electrodesare configured to be energized with RF energy waves at 50% duty cycle.4. The end effector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first,second, and third electrodes are configured to be energized with RFenergy sine waves or RF energy square waves.
 5. The end effectorassembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodesare associated with the first jaw member and wherein the third electrodeis associated with the second jaw member.
 6. The end effector assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein the first and second electrodes aredisposed on the first jaw member and wherein the third electrode isdefined by the second jaw member.
 7. The end effector assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein the second jaw member is an ultrasonic bladeconfigured to be energized with ultrasonic energy.
 8. The end effectorassembly according to claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic blade defines oneof the first, second, or third electrodes.
 9. The end effector assemblyaccording to claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic blade is configured to beenergized with ultrasonic energy and the first, second, and thirdelectrodes are configured to be energized with RF energy simultaneously.10. The end effector assembly according to claim 7, wherein theultrasonic blade is configured to be energized with ultrasonic energyand the first, second, and third electrodes are configured to beenergized with RF energy in alternating fashion.
 11. The end effectorassembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first,second, or third electrodes is configured to contact tissue graspedbetween the first and second jaw members.
 12. The end effector assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, and thirdelectrodes is configured to contact tissue grasped between the first andsecond jaw members.
 13. A surgical instrument, comprising: a housing; ashaft extending distally from the housing; and an end effector assemblyextending distally from the shaft, the end effector assembly including:first and second jaw members, the first jaw member movable relative tothe second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and anapproximated position for grasping tissue therebetween; and first,second, and third electrodes configured to be energized withRadio-Frequency (RF) energy in a three-phase configuration to treattissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.
 14. Thesurgical instrument according to claim 13, further comprising: a triggerselectively actuatable relative to housing to thereby move the first jawmember relative to the second jaw member between the spaced-apartposition and the approximated position.
 15. The surgical instrumentaccording to claim 13, further comprising an activation switch disposedon the housing and configured to initiate the energization of the first,second, and third electrodes with RF energy upon activation thereof. 16.The surgical instrument according to claim 13, wherein at least one ofthe first, second, or third electrodes is associated with the first jawmember and wherein at least another one of the first, second, or thirdelectrodes is associated with the second jaw member.
 17. The surgicalinstrument according to claim 13, wherein the first, second, and thirdelectrodes are configured to be energized with RF energy waves that are120 degrees out of phase with respect to one another.
 18. The surgicalinstrument according to claim 13, wherein the second jaw member is anultrasonic blade configured to be energized with ultrasonic energy, theultrasonic blade defining one of the first, second, or third electrodes.19. The surgical instrument according to claim 18, wherein theultrasonic blade is configured to be energized with ultrasonic energyand the first, second, and third electrodes are configured to beenergized with RF energy simultaneously.
 20. The surgical instrumentaccording to claim 18, wherein the ultrasonic blade is configured to beenergized with ultrasonic energy and the first, second, and thirdelectrodes are configured to be energized with RF energy in alternatingfashion